I returned to the inn I stayed at, making sure nobody was following me because of the spectacle. I need to stay hidden until the auction.

“I should use a disguise tomorrow”

Next morning I changed my hair color to medium long blonde hair and green eyes. I changed the color of the robe I wore as well; you never know, some people take note of small details like that. I made sure not to wear the same outfit as yesterday and wore something lowkey and comfortable to move in.

I changed the size of the staff and made it into an earring and put it on, and tied my hair into a ponytail and I was ready to explore the capital and gather information.

Firstly, I headed towards the Intelligence guild at the recommendation of the empire’s intelligence guild master. There I could gather who the seller was for the herb I needed. One herb is not enough to prolong my curse, I would need more over time. If I knew who the seller was, I could easily figure out how to get more of the herb. My life depended on this, although it’s risky.

I walked straight up to the receptionist and spoke the code to be able to meet with the master of this guild.

“The flowers withered so quickly around here. Are there any teas that use bell lily petals?”

“Yes certainly, we have such petals here,” the receptionist gestured to the door behind a curtain. “Right this way miss”

I walk around and down the stairs and find myself in a small study with a lot of bookshelves and plants. In the middle of the room there was a wooden coffee table with deep blue sofas on both sides, as well as a larger desk at the end of the room and an empty chair.

“The master will be out shortly,” the receptionist said. “Please wait here”

I fidget with the ring on my left index finger as I take in the master’s quarters. It’s smaller than I anticipated, but it was very tidy, too tidy in fact.

Another door opens and in walks a tall man wearing a white raven mask. He wore a loose red tunic which was tucked loosely inside black pants and wore black shoes.  

“Welcome, Miss Lily”